Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of connecting network nodes associated with respective objects in a virtual area comprising: by computer apparatus, sending to the network nodes computer readable instructions for establishing one or more real-time data stream connections between the network nodes according to a virtual area specification comprising a description of a spatial layout of zones that are fixed in relation to geometric elements of the virtual area, wherein each of the zones is associated with a different respective zone boundary in the virtual area and a respective switching rule, and each switching rule specifies a stream connection between sources of a respective real-time data stream type within the zone boundary of a respective designated source one of the zones and sinks of the respective real-time data stream type within the boundary of a respective designated sink one of the zones; and wherein execution of the instructions causes the network nodes to perform operations comprising, for each switching rule, establishing a respective stream connection for streaming the respective real-time data stream type between (i) a first one of the network nodes that is associated with an object within the zone boundary of the respective designated source zone and (ii) a second one of the network nodes that is associated with an object within the geometric boundary of the respective designated sink zone.
This invention relates to a system for dynamically connecting network nodes associated with objects in a virtual environment. The problem addressed is the efficient management of real-time data streams between objects in a virtual area, where the connections must adapt to spatial relationships and predefined rules. The system involves a computer apparatus that sends instructions to network nodes to establish real-time data stream connections based on a virtual area specification. This specification defines a spatial layout of zones fixed in relation to geometric elements of the virtual area. Each zone has a boundary and a switching rule. The switching rules specify connections between sources and sinks of specific real-time data stream types. Sources are network nodes associated with objects within the boundary of a designated source zone, while sinks are nodes associated with objects within the boundary of a designated sink zone. When executed, the instructions cause the network nodes to establish stream connections for each switching rule. These connections stream data between a first node (associated with an object in the source zone) and a second node (associated with an object in the sink zone). The system ensures that data streams are dynamically routed based on the spatial relationships of objects within the virtual area, optimizing real-time communication in virtual environments.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the establishing comprises ascertaining the positions of the objects in relation to the respective zone boundary of each of one or more of the zones.
This invention relates to a method for managing objects within a defined spatial area divided into multiple zones, addressing the challenge of accurately tracking and positioning objects relative to zone boundaries. The method involves establishing the positions of objects within these zones by determining their locations in relation to the boundary of each zone. This ensures precise spatial awareness, enabling efficient monitoring, control, or interaction with objects based on their zone-specific positioning. The method may involve dynamic adjustments to zone boundaries or object positions, allowing for real-time updates to maintain accurate spatial relationships. By ascertaining the positions of objects relative to zone boundaries, the system can enforce rules, trigger actions, or optimize workflows based on where objects are located within the defined zones. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise spatial management, such as logistics, robotics, or automated systems where object positioning within specific areas is critical. The method ensures that objects are correctly identified and tracked within their respective zones, enhancing operational accuracy and efficiency.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the establishing comprises determining a target set of real-time data stream types that one or more of the switching rules associate with one or more of the zones that are occupied by a given one of the objects.
This invention relates to real-time data stream processing in a system where objects are associated with zones, and data streams are filtered or routed based on their relevance to those zones. The problem addressed is efficiently managing and distributing real-time data streams to objects or devices based on their current location or context, ensuring that only relevant data is processed or transmitted. The method involves establishing a relationship between data stream types and zones occupied by objects. This is done by determining a target set of real-time data stream types that are associated with one or more zones where a given object is located. Switching rules are used to define these associations, allowing the system to dynamically adjust which data streams are relevant to an object as it moves between zones. The switching rules may filter, route, or prioritize data streams based on the object's current zone, optimizing resource usage and reducing unnecessary data processing. The system may include multiple zones, each associated with different data stream types, and objects that can move between these zones. The method ensures that only the data streams relevant to the object's current zone are processed, improving efficiency and reducing latency. This approach is useful in applications such as IoT networks, smart environments, or distributed systems where real-time data filtering is critical.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the establishing comprises: ascertaining ones of the objects excluding the given object that are contained in one or more zones from which ones of the real-time data stream types in the target set are sourced and into which ones of the real-time data stream types in the target set are sunk as defined by the one or more switching rules; determining a connectable set of real-time data streams each of which is at least one of (i) sourced from one or more of the network nodes that are associated with the ascertained objects and (ii) sunk into one or more of the network nodes that are associated with the ascertained objects; and determining a set of required real-time data stream data based on a matching of sources and sinks that are associated with the connectable set of real-time data streams.
This invention relates to real-time data stream management in networked systems, addressing the challenge of efficiently routing and processing data streams between network nodes based on predefined switching rules. The method involves establishing connections for real-time data streams by first identifying objects (excluding a given object) that are sources or sinks for specific data stream types in a target set, as defined by switching rules. These objects are located within one or more zones where the data streams originate or terminate. Next, a connectable set of real-time data streams is determined, where each stream is either sourced from network nodes associated with the identified objects or sunk into such nodes. Finally, the method derives a set of required data stream data by matching the sources and sinks associated with the connectable streams. This ensures that data streams are routed and processed according to the switching rules, optimizing network performance and data flow. The approach is particularly useful in dynamic environments where real-time data routing must adapt to changing conditions and predefined rules.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the switching rules associates a respective source role identifier with a given one of the real-time data stream types, and the establishing comprises establishing one or more of the real-time data stream connections based on a comparison of the source role identifier with role identifiers respectively associated with one or more of the objects associated with sources of the given real-time data stream type.
This invention relates to real-time data stream management in a networked system, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently routing and filtering data streams based on source roles. The system establishes connections for real-time data streams by applying switching rules that associate source role identifiers with specific data stream types. When a data stream of a given type is detected, the system compares the source's role identifier with role identifiers linked to objects associated with the stream's source. If a match is found, the system establishes one or more connections for the data stream, ensuring that data is routed only to authorized or relevant recipients. This method enhances security and efficiency by dynamically filtering data streams based on predefined role-based access rules, preventing unauthorized access and reducing unnecessary data transmission. The system may also include mechanisms for dynamically updating role identifiers and switching rules to adapt to changing network conditions or security policies. The invention is particularly useful in environments where real-time data streams must be securely and selectively distributed, such as industrial control systems, financial networks, or IoT applications.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more switching rules associates a respective sink role identifier with a given one of the real-time data stream types, and the administering comprises administering one or more of the real-time data stream connections based on a comparison of the sink role identifier with role identifiers respectively associated with one or more of the objects associated with sinks of the given real-time data stream type.
This invention relates to real-time data stream management in distributed systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently routing and administering data streams based on role-based access control. The system involves one or more real-time data stream types, each associated with a specific sink role identifier that defines the intended recipients of the data. The method administers data stream connections by comparing the sink role identifier with role identifiers assigned to objects (e.g., devices, applications, or users) that act as sinks for the data. If a match is found, the data stream is routed to the appropriate sink. This ensures that only authorized entities receive the data, enhancing security and reducing unnecessary data transmission. The system dynamically applies switching rules to manage data flow, allowing for flexible and scalable real-time data distribution. The invention improves upon prior art by integrating role-based access control directly into the data stream administration process, minimizing overhead and improving efficiency in large-scale distributed environments.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the respective designated source zone and the respective designated sink zone specified in at least one of the switching rules are different zones.
This invention relates to a method for managing data flow in a networked storage system, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently routing data between different storage zones. The method involves implementing switching rules that define how data is transferred between designated source and sink zones. A key aspect is that at least one of these switching rules specifies different zones for the source and sink, ensuring data is moved between distinct storage areas rather than within the same zone. This differentiation helps optimize storage utilization, reduce redundancy, and improve data access performance by strategically distributing data across multiple zones. The method may also include additional rules for handling data replication, migration, or load balancing, ensuring that data is consistently and reliably transferred according to predefined criteria. By enforcing these rules, the system can dynamically adapt to changing storage demands, enhance data availability, and maintain efficient data management across the network. The approach is particularly useful in large-scale storage environments where data distribution and access patterns require careful coordination to maintain performance and reliability.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the respective designated source zone and the respective designated sink zone specified in at least one of the switching rules are the same zone.
This invention relates to a method for managing data flow in a storage system, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently routing data between storage zones. The method involves defining switching rules that specify source and sink zones for data movement. A key aspect is that at least one of these rules designates the same zone as both the source and the sink, effectively allowing data to remain within a single zone without unnecessary transfer. This approach optimizes storage operations by reducing data movement overhead, improving performance, and conserving system resources. The method may also include additional rules for routing data between different zones when necessary, ensuring flexibility in data management. The system dynamically applies these rules to determine the optimal path for data, whether it involves intra-zone retention or inter-zone transfer, based on predefined criteria such as storage capacity, access patterns, or performance requirements. This solution is particularly useful in distributed storage environments where minimizing data movement is critical for efficiency.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the objects represent respective communicants in the virtual area.
This invention relates to virtual communication systems, specifically methods for managing and displaying objects representing communicants in a virtual area. The technology addresses the challenge of effectively representing and interacting with multiple participants in a shared virtual environment, such as a virtual meeting or collaborative workspace. The method involves generating and displaying objects that correspond to individual communicants within the virtual area. Each object visually represents a participant, allowing users to identify and interact with others in the virtual space. The objects may include avatars, icons, or other graphical representations that convey information about the communicants, such as their identity, status, or role. The system dynamically updates these objects in real-time as participants join, leave, or move within the virtual area, ensuring accurate and current representations. Additionally, the method may include features such as spatial positioning of objects to reflect the relative locations of communicants, visual indicators for active participants, or interactive elements that enable direct communication between users. The system ensures seamless integration with existing virtual communication platforms, enhancing user experience by providing clear and intuitive visual feedback. This approach improves collaboration and interaction in virtual environments by providing a structured and visually coherent representation of participants, addressing the need for better participant visibility and engagement in digital spaces.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, by the computer apparatus, transmitting to the first and second network nodes data for establishing the one or more real-time data stream connections between the first and second network nodes.
This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically methods for establishing real-time data stream connections between network nodes. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable transmission of real-time data, such as audio or video streams, between multiple network nodes in a distributed system. The method involves a computer apparatus that facilitates the establishment of one or more real-time data stream connections between a first network node and a second network node. The computer apparatus receives a request to establish a real-time data stream connection between the nodes and identifies the first and second network nodes involved. It then generates connection data, which includes network addresses, protocols, and other parameters required for the nodes to communicate directly. Additionally, the computer apparatus transmits this connection data to both the first and second network nodes, enabling them to establish the real-time data stream connections independently. This ensures low-latency, direct communication between the nodes without relying on intermediaries, improving efficiency and reducing delays in real-time applications. The method may also include authentication and authorization steps to ensure secure communication.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the respective zone boundary of the respective one of the zones is defined by referencing a respective one of the geometry elements that defines a respective geometric shape in the virtual area.
This invention relates to defining zone boundaries within a virtual area using geometric elements. The problem addressed is the need for precise and flexible boundary definitions in virtual environments, such as simulations, gaming, or augmented reality, where zones must be dynamically adjusted or referenced for various applications. The method involves creating zones within a virtual area, where each zone has a boundary defined by referencing a geometric element. These geometric elements represent specific shapes, such as lines, polygons, or curves, which are used to outline the boundaries of the zones. By referencing these predefined geometric shapes, the boundaries can be easily modified or adjusted without altering the underlying geometry of the virtual area. This approach allows for efficient zone management, enabling dynamic updates and interactions within the virtual environment. The geometric elements can be stored as part of the virtual area's data structure, allowing them to be reused across multiple zones. This reduces redundancy and simplifies the process of defining and modifying zone boundaries. The method ensures that zone boundaries remain consistent and accurate, even as the virtual area or its contents change. This is particularly useful in applications requiring real-time adjustments, such as virtual simulations or interactive gaming environments. The approach enhances flexibility and precision in defining and managing zones within a virtual space.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the establishing comprises selecting a stream handling topology from a set of stream handling topologies comprising: a first stream handling topology in accordance with which data of at least one real-time data stream type is streamed between the first and second network nodes peer-to-peer; and a second stream handling topology in accordance with which data of the at least one real-time data stream type is streamed through an intermediate network node configured to receive streams of the at least one respective real-time data stream type from the first and second network nodes, generate a stream mix from the received streams, and transmit the stream mix to one or more of the network nodes associated with objects in the virtual area.
This invention relates to real-time data streaming in networked virtual environments, addressing the challenge of efficiently routing and managing multiple data streams between network nodes representing objects in a virtual area. The method involves selecting an optimal stream handling topology from a predefined set to ensure reliable and low-latency data transmission. The first topology enables peer-to-peer streaming, where data from at least one real-time data stream type is directly exchanged between two network nodes without intermediaries. The second topology introduces an intermediate network node that aggregates streams from multiple sources, generates a combined stream mix, and distributes it to relevant network nodes associated with objects in the virtual area. This approach allows for flexible and scalable stream management, adapting to varying network conditions and application requirements. The selection of the topology ensures that data is transmitted efficiently, minimizing latency and resource usage while maintaining synchronization in the virtual environment. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring real-time interaction, such as virtual reality, gaming, or collaborative simulations, where seamless data flow is critical for an immersive experience.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the selecting comprises selecting between the first stream handling topology and the second stream handling topology based on occurrence of an event.
A system and method for dynamically selecting between different stream handling topologies in a data processing environment. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently managing data streams in systems where processing requirements or external conditions change over time. The method involves monitoring a data stream and determining whether to switch between a first stream handling topology and a second stream handling topology based on the occurrence of a specific event. The first and second stream handling topologies define different configurations for processing the data stream, such as varying the number of processing nodes, the routing of data between nodes, or the allocation of computational resources. The selection process ensures that the system adapts to changing conditions, such as fluctuations in data volume, latency requirements, or resource availability, by automatically transitioning between topologies when triggered by an event. This dynamic adjustment optimizes performance, reduces latency, and improves resource utilization in real-time data processing applications. The event triggering the topology switch may be an internal system condition, such as a threshold being exceeded, or an external factor, such as a change in user demand or network conditions. The method ensures seamless transitions between topologies to maintain continuous data processing without disruption.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the event comprises a change in a count of the network nodes associated with objects in the virtual area.
This invention relates to monitoring and managing virtual environments, particularly in systems where network nodes are associated with objects within a virtual area. The problem addressed is the need to detect and respond to changes in the configuration or state of these virtual environments, specifically when the number of network nodes linked to objects in a virtual area changes. Such changes can impact performance, security, or functionality, requiring automated detection and adjustment. The method involves monitoring a virtual area to identify events that trigger actions. One such event is a change in the count of network nodes associated with objects in the virtual area. When this event occurs, the system detects the change and may initiate a response, such as reconfiguring the virtual area, adjusting network connections, or alerting administrators. The method ensures that the virtual environment remains stable and operates as intended, even as the number of network nodes fluctuates. This is particularly useful in dynamic virtual environments where objects and their associated nodes may frequently change, such as in cloud computing, virtual reality, or distributed systems. The solution provides a way to maintain consistency and reliability in such environments by automatically responding to changes in node counts.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the event comprises reaching a bandwidth constraint of one or more of the network nodes.
A system and method for managing network traffic in a distributed computing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently allocating bandwidth resources across multiple network nodes to prevent congestion and ensure optimal performance. The invention monitors network conditions in real-time, detecting when bandwidth constraints are reached at one or more network nodes. Upon detecting such constraints, the system dynamically adjusts traffic routing, prioritizes critical data flows, or throttles non-essential communications to maintain network stability. The method may involve analyzing traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, and applying predefined rules or machine learning models to optimize resource allocation. By proactively responding to bandwidth limitations, the system prevents service degradation, reduces latency, and improves overall network efficiency. The solution is particularly useful in high-demand environments such as cloud computing, data centers, and large-scale enterprise networks where maintaining reliable connectivity is critical. The invention ensures that network resources are utilized effectively while minimizing disruptions caused by bandwidth constraints.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the selecting comprises maximizing a count of unmixed real-time data streams received by the network nodes that are associated with objects in the virtual area.
This invention relates to optimizing data stream processing in a networked system, particularly for real-time data streams associated with objects in a virtual area. The problem addressed is efficiently selecting network nodes to maximize the number of unmixed real-time data streams received, ensuring accurate and reliable data processing without interference from mixed or corrupted streams. The method involves a network of nodes that receive and process real-time data streams from objects within a defined virtual area. The key innovation is a selection process that prioritizes nodes capable of receiving the highest count of unmixed data streams. Unmixed streams are those that remain unaltered or uncontaminated by other data sources, ensuring data integrity. The selection process evaluates each node's ability to handle multiple streams simultaneously while minimizing mixing or interference. This is particularly useful in applications where real-time data accuracy is critical, such as virtual reality environments, IoT networks, or autonomous systems. The method may include dynamically adjusting node selection based on real-time conditions, such as network congestion or data stream quality. By maximizing the number of unmixed streams, the system enhances data reliability and reduces processing errors. The approach ensures that each node operates at optimal efficiency, handling the maximum possible number of clean data streams without degradation. This improves overall system performance and accuracy in applications requiring precise real-time data analysis.
17. Apparatus for connecting network nodes associated with respective objects in a virtual area, comprising: non-transitory memory storing processor-readable instructions, and a processor coupled to the memory, operable to execute the instructions, and based at least in part on the execution of the instructions operable to perform operations comprising: sending to the network nodes computer readable instructions for establishing one or more real-time data stream connections between the network nodes according to a virtual area specification comprising a description of a spatial layout of zones that are fixed in relation to geometric elements of the virtual area, wherein each of the zones is associated with a different respective zone boundary in the virtual area and a respective switching rule, and each switching rule specifies a stream connection between sources of a respective real-time data stream type within the zone boundary of a respective designated sink one of the zones; and wherein execution of the instructions causes the network nodes to perform operations comprising, for each switching rule, establishing a respective stream connection for streaming the respective real-time data stream type between (i) a first one of the network nodes that is associated with an object within the zone boundary of the respective designated source zone and (ii) a second one of the network nodes that is associated with an object within the geometric boundary of the respective designated sink zone.
This invention relates to a system for managing real-time data streams between networked objects in a virtual environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing data streams in virtual spaces where objects move between predefined spatial zones, each with specific connectivity rules. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions to configure network nodes associated with objects in the virtual area. The system sends instructions to these nodes to establish real-time data stream connections based on a virtual area specification. This specification defines a spatial layout of fixed zones within the virtual area, where each zone has a boundary and a switching rule. Each rule specifies how data streams of a particular type should be routed from source nodes within a designated source zone to sink nodes within a designated sink zone. When executed, the instructions cause the network nodes to establish these stream connections dynamically, ensuring that data flows between objects in different zones according to predefined rules. This approach enables efficient, rule-based data routing in virtual environments where objects move between zones, maintaining consistent connectivity based on spatial relationships.
18. At least one, non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computing instructions for connecting network nodes associated with respective objects in a virtual area, the computing instructions comprising: a code segment to send to the network nodes computer readable instructions for establishing one or more real-time data stream connections between the network nodes according to a virtual area specification comprising a description of a s spatial layout of zones that are fixed in relation to geometric elements of the virtual area, wherein each of the zones is associated with a different respective zone boundary in the virtual area and a respective switching rule, and each switching rule specifies a stream connection between sources of a respective real-time data stream type within the zone boundary of a respective designated source one of the zones and sinks of the respective real-time data stream type within the zone boundary of a respective designated sink one of the zones; and wherein execution of the instructions causes the network nodes to perform operations comprising, for each switching rule, establishing a respective stream connection for streaming the respective real-time data stream type between (i) a first one of the network nodes that is associated with an object within the zone boundary of the respective designated source zone and (ii) a second one of the network nodes that is associated with an object within the geometric boundary of the respective designated sink zone.
This invention relates to a system for managing real-time data streams between network nodes associated with objects in a virtual area, such as a virtual environment or simulation. The problem addressed is the efficient and dynamic routing of real-time data streams between objects based on their spatial relationships within predefined zones of the virtual area. The system uses a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions for establishing data stream connections between network nodes. The instructions define a virtual area specification that includes a spatial layout of fixed zones, each with a boundary and a switching rule. Each switching rule specifies connections between sources and sinks of a particular real-time data stream type within designated source and sink zones. When executed, the instructions cause the network nodes to establish stream connections for the specified data types between objects located within the boundaries of the designated zones. For example, if a source zone contains objects generating a specific data stream (e.g., video or sensor data) and a sink zone contains objects consuming that data, the system automatically routes the data from the source to the sink based on the predefined rules. This ensures that data is transmitted only between relevant objects, optimizing bandwidth and processing resources. The system dynamically adjusts connections as objects move between zones, maintaining efficient data flow in real-time.
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May 19, 2020
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